What's the best way to remove a splinter from my baby's skin?

Most wood splinters and small objects like a sliver of glass can be removed at home with tweezers and a needle. Sterilize both implements with some alcohol or the flame of a match and then cool them. Wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water. Reassure your baby as best you can — if possible, sit him on your lap while you work on the splinter, or have another adult hold and comfort him while you remove it.

If the splinter's sticking out from the skin far enough, you may be able to pull it out easily using just the tweezers. Grasp it gently at the base (where it emerges from the skin) with the tweezers and pull it straight out, tugging in the same direction it's pointed. If it doesn't slide right out, don't pick at it — you don't want to break a piece off and leave the rest embedded.

If a very small splinter is protruding, on the other hand, you may be able to remove it by pressing a piece of strong sticky tape to the site and then lifting up.

If neither of those methods works, or for a splinter that's embedded in the skin with little or no piece sticking out for you to grab, you'll need to use the sterilized needle. First, soak the area in warm water for a few minutes to soften the skin. Then use the needle to gently create a slit in the skin right over the embedded part and carefully remove the splinter with tweezers.

When the splinter's out, wash the whole area thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then cover the spot with a thin film of antibiotic ointment and an adhesive bandage.

What if I can't get the splinter out or my baby won't let me near it?

If it's a big splinter — a piece of wood, glass, or other debris embedded in your baby's skin — or an object that's curved, you'll need to have a doctor remove it. But if it's a very small one, you can try letting it go for a few days. There's a good chance the splinter will work itself out, especially if your baby soaks in the tub, since the warm water will loosen the skin around it.

Infections from splinters are uncommon, but do watch for signs while you're waiting — warmth, redness, swelling, pus — and take your child to the doctor if you see any.

Are splinters ever dangerous?

Not usually, though they can be. If your child's vaccinations aren't up to date, a splinter can cause tetanus, a potentially fatal infection caused by bacteria that enters the blood through a wound.

The vaccine that protects your child against this bacteria is usually given at 2, 4, and 6 months, again between 15 and 18 months, again between 4 and 6 years, and again between ages 11 and 13. After that, a booster is recommended every ten years throughout life. Call your child's doctor if you're not sure your child has had all his shots.

What can I do to prevent my baby from getting splinters?

Once he's walking, try to keep your baby from walking without shoes outdoors (and indoors if you have wood floors). If you break a glass, make sure you vacuum up all the tiny fragments that sometimes scatter.

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